ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
of typology studies that considered the particular challenges and opportunities of the available site for the new hospital, alongside a response to the aspiration for an exemplar hospital with a special interest in the frail and elderly. The pinwheel design typology of Whipps Cross optimises horizontal travel distances to wards, in response to the frail and elderly patient cohort. It also brings efficiency to staff workflow, allows effective sharing of support space, and provides resilience for separation and isolation. Ward modules are 28 beds, with
In response to the constraints of the site footprint, Whipps Cross requires vertical stacking of departments and functions.
enabled accurate tracking of required fabrication times, proposed installation dates, just-in-time delivery to site, and communication with other trades. Offsite manufacturing decreased resource-related pressures from the project, and also skilled new entrants to the industry in Modern Methods of Construction.
Cast with individual textures and motifs A combination of sophisticated technology, and the application of craftsmanship in the bespoke offsite manufacturing process, allowed the façade panels to be cast with a range of individual textures and motifs. We embraced this opportunity to enrich the design of the external elevations and integrate the external materiality with an overarching woodland campus concept. The detail design of the façade system was developed with an understanding of the climatic factors that will affect the building in its location; particularly the relatively high levels of rainfall experienced there. External windows and doors were
factory fitted into the panels, ensuring that all interfaces are correctly aligned, tolerances achieved, fixings appropriately located, and sealants professionally and neatly applied. A factory hose test ensured the watertightness of the window and door installation before the panels left for site. The detail of integrating external windows into the cladding was tested on prototype panels for the project before large-scale fabrication was undertaken. This unique approach – exploiting the opportunities and advantages of pre- manufacture – enabled the team to commit to delivering the new hospital six months earlier than the date specified in the client’s programme. As well as providing significant savings and value-for- money benefits, this enabled the hospital board to plan its commissioning, decant, and occupation processes, during the late
summer period, allowing the hospital to be brought into operation well ahead of winter pressures.
Whipps Cross Hospital – developing a flexible approach to MMC The Whipps Cross Hospital redevelopment is a significant mid-rise new build hospital, and part of Cohort 3 of the NHP. Alongside design partners, WSP and Hoare Lea, we have developed a clear approach to maximise the value that MMC can bring to healthcare environments of the future. In response to the physical constraints of the site footprint, Whipps Cross requires vertical stacking of departments and functions. This presents challenges in the development of a standard grid that avoids transfer structures between levels. The grid dimensions have been developed to coordinate with both the standard inpatient template of the upper levels, and the constraints of a standard theatre template within the lower technical levels. In addition to the spatial demands of typical rooms and workflows associated with each function, grid dimensions and structural solutions were considered holistically, alongside embodied carbon calculations and cost efficiency.
Central circulation / support hub Inpatient accommodation is designed as a series of standard ward modules around a central circulation and support hub. This arrangement is informed by a series
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repetition of a single room module which defined the grid taken through to the lower floors. The bedrooms are clustered into sevens; each half of the ward has a four-bed bay, to maintain balance, with staff bases distributed to provide optimum observation. The layout of the single room and en-suite was tested to ensure that the visibility and observation of the room from the corridor was optimal.
Maximising MMC potential To drive maximum pre-manufactured value, a number of hospital typologies were assessed for their ability to maximise MMC potential as part of the overall weighted assessment and selection. In addition to optimising workflow and horizontal travel distances, the pinwheel typology was assessed as being able to efficiently accommodate a range of MMC solutions. A more detailed review was then undertaken to assess the ability of potential MMC approaches to respond to the key criteria, including: n Structural requirements. n Clinical planning. n MEP. n Façade. n Finishes.
A detailed score-based assessment
was used to narrow the options down to the most appropriate for this type and scale of development. Once complete, this provided a framework for decision making, moving through the Outline Business Case (OBC) stage. As we were designing without supply chain engagement due to procurement considerations, key to our strategy at this point was keeping as many MMC options available for as long as possible – consciously not designing out opportunity.
The use of offsite-manufactured wall panels, complete with insulation and window installation, facilitates safer, cleaner, and more efficient construction techniques, which minimise disruption, guarantee quality and cost, and save time by reducing the overall construction period
February 2023 Health Estate Journal 63
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